Each year, about half a million people develop peptic ulcers in the United States. Called gastric ulcers if they occur in the stomach and duodenal ulcers if they occur in the first portion of the small intestine, peptic ulcers can cause abdominal discomfort 45 to 60 minutes after meals or during the night. While it may not be obvious without a stool test, the inflammation may cause the lining of the stomach or the duodenum to bleed. Along with conventional treatments, people often use complementary treatments, through nutrition and supplements. Bleeding ulcers can become a medical emergency in a short period of time. Treat them under the supervision of a qualified health-care practitioner.
Diet
Food allergies are commonly associated with irritation and inflammation of the intestinal lining. Avoiding known food allergens can speed up healing and reduce the chance of peptic ulcer recurrence. According to Joseph Pizzorno Jr., N.D., diets high in fiber are linked to lower rates of duodenal ulcers. He recommends incorporating supplemental fiber, such as ground flax seeds, psyllium, pectin or guar gum, into a diet rich in plant foods. Raw cabbage juice is also highly recommended because of its high glutamine content. Glutamine provides the fuel necessary for the cells lining the intestinal wall to regenerate.
Nutritional Supplements
Complementing a whole-foods diet rich in high-fiber foods with nutritional supplements can also support the healing process. Vitamins A and E are helpful for inhibiting the development of stress ulcers and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining. Zinc and probiotics have a protective effect on the gastric lining by increasing mucin production and enhancing tissue repair and immune function. Pizzorno recommends flavonoids, vitamin C, supplemental glutamine and bismuth subcitrate. Before treating with supplements, consult a holistically trained practitioner, such as a naturopathic physician.
Botanical Medicine
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice has been used traditionally as a botanical treatment for peptic ulcers. Licorice is best used in its deglycyrrhizinated form, called DGL. DGL contains several flavonoids that inhibit the growth of H. pylori, the main organism responsible for recurrent ulcers. DGL also stimulates mucus production and secretion but must mix with saliva to be effective. Chewable tablets make the best DGL supplement form. In cases of active intestinal bleeding, Pizzorno recommends rhubarb because of its astringent qualities. Plantain bananas have been shown to stimulate mucosal cell growth.
Lifestyle
While stress is not considered the cause of peptic ulcers, it can certainly contribute to the worsening of symptoms and slow healing. If stress is a factor and repression of emotions prevents healing, seeking healthy outlets for self-expression and engaging in a stress-reduction program may help. Regular exercising or daily movement and relaxation techniques, such as prayer, meditation and yoga, can promote emotional and physical healing. Smoking can worsen peptic ulcers and should be avoided.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; H. Pylori and Peptic Ulcers; April 2010
- "Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine"; Recent Advances in the Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis; Ayelet Rimon, MD, Stephen B. Freedman, MDCM, MS; September 2010
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., N.D., and Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
